The New Year is an ideal time to get proactive with your marketing and get your voice heard while we wait to see what the new financial year has in store. Reconnecting with your customers is key to strengthening your business relationships and letting them know you are there for support.
 
Most of us will have been glad to see the back of 2020, to say it has been difficult is an understatement. Some of you may have taken a step back from the business to focus on other things, others will have been busy reaching out to customers in new ways.
 
Regardless of how you’ve tackled the past year, now is a great time to get organised. Why not use this opportunity to reconnect with your customers, take stock and hit 2021 with some positivity!
 
Here are 5 simple things to try and get your business off to a good start in 2021:

1. Stay in touch Just a simple courtesy email or phone call can help promote confidence and loyalty. Be sure to ask your customer how they are and if there is anything you can do to help them, now is not the time for the hard sell but just a gentle reminder that we are all in this together.
2. Organise your customer database Update your customer lists, databases and email marketing funnels to make sure you have all the right details and that your products and services are still relevant for your customers needs.
3. Embrace the need for E-commerce If you don’t already sell your products or services online then now is definitely time to change that. If we have seen anything from the uncertainty and disruption of the past year it is that online purchases are here to stay.
4. Personalisation When thinking about marketing and communication try to make offers and promotions personal to each customer. Simple things such as asking for your customers communications preferences can really help you connect and strengthen your relationship.
5. Check your finances This year has been difficult on so many levels and many businesses will have taken a financial hit. Be sure to utilise any grants, loans or Government schemes that are available if you need them to see you through the coming months.

 
This is not on the list but still very important none the less, don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. It is often one of the hardest things to find the courage to do, but if you are struggling with payments, need some ideas or looking for something specialist, look to your network group, connections, contractors or suppliers and reach out.
 
Hopefully you’ve got some ideas and a plan of action to help get your business running as smoothly as possible in 2021. If not Creative Remedy are always on hand if you need any help or advice.

Always have the end user in mind:

• What would make the customers journey easier? Think about the design - keep it on brand but simple and easy to navigate. Talk to your designer!
• What can you change to make them book or make that all important purchase? This is where you need to think about Call To Action (CTA). A good CTA can make the difference between making that all important purchase or walking away.
• What quick fixes are there that will help my customers? A great way to keep your customers is to have great customer service, think about your FAQ’s and any help sections - make sure they are top notch. Again, think about the design!

 
Why would you need to do this?
Anything that can help improve user experience, engagement and stop users moving on is going to have a lasting impact on your business. The steps you take now can save you time and money in the long term, boost sales; automate some of your business processes and create a loyal customer base.
 
What is available?
Regardless of what platform your website uses, website automation and functionality is available but not limited to:

• Email newsletter sign-up - an easy way to stay relevant with your customer and keep them updated with changes to your business.
• Contact/registration/sign-up forms - another great way to keep your customers informed and boost engagement.
• Image gallery - such a simple yet effective way to boost engagement. Images are a way for you to really showcase your business with products and services and add a personal touch.
• Booking system - if your business requires customers to book (appointments, events, etc) it must be easy to use. Put yourself in your customers shoes and think about what makes you book (or not) through certain websites.
• Ecommerce - it’s important your visitors have a great shopping experience in order for them to want to return to your online store in the future. Your website needs to be simple, easy to navigate and have great search options so your customer can easily find the product/service they are looking for.
• Social media feed - keeping on top of your social media (regular posts, using hashtags, joining groups and engaging with connections) will really help you get more exposure.
• Landing page - this is different to the rest of your website in that it will have some type of form for your customer to fill in, in exchange for an incentive such as an offer.
• Blog - a regular blog will increase your online presence and connect with your customers.
• Google Analytics/reporting - keep on top of what is working for your website with this fab free tool!
• Mobile friendly/Responsive Website Design (RWD)
• Survey and feedback tools
• Live chat options - there are plenty to choose from such as Zendesk or LiveChat. These are a great way of creating trust with your customer and providing great customer support. Speak with your designer to find what would suit your needs.

 
It’s always a great idea to chat with your designer about your website. They will have some great ideas for how to boost engagement and build a functional web strategy.

Once you’ve digested the Government guidance and regulations it’s time to start analysing your business and looking for ways to improve performance and increase sales. Now is the time to take a look at your marketing plan - how does it need to adapt to suit the new legislation? If you have a retail business how can you improve and maximise sales whilst still following social distancing and hygiene rules?
 
We’ve put together 8 top tips to help you ensure your business is ready for the new normal:

1. Marketing Plan or Strategy This should be your first job before you tackle anything else. Your business has undoubtedly gone through a huge change over lockdown so it’s important to reassess your plan and make sure you are fully informed.
2. Online Courses, webinars, training Now is the time to fully embrace the digital age. Make use of tools such as Zoom, Skype etc... to deliver your services.
3. Go Ecommerce Social distancing rules may mean your current premises are unsuitable to reopen or will only allow a small number of customers. This is where e-commerce can really boost your sales and customer base.
4. Video As well as allowing you to host meetings without having to worry about social distancing video is also a great way of showcasing your products or services. If you're not already using video to promote your business now is the perfect time to start.
5. Social Media Many that were not comfortable with social media pre-lockdown are now taking selfies and posting regularly! Your audience will have undoubtedly changed, now is the time to reassess your target audience and your message.
6. Email Marketing This is a brilliant way to keep in touch with your customers and keep them updated with any new developments with your business post lockdown. Be sure to include it in your marketing plan review.
7. Design Is it time for a new look? As you adapt your business and the way you work perhaps now is a great time or a fresh new look.
8. Website Update your website, this is by far one of the most significant things you can do. Think about how your business has changed, perhaps you have different products or services. How are you communicating these changes with your customers?

 
Important things to remember:

• Social distancing is easing, rules and regulations are changing weekly. Make sure your marketing plan can adapt as the government guidance changes.
• New processes and procedures are in place. Keep your customers updated with how you are following the new processes.
• Our environment has changed, there is a focus on cleanliness and hygiene. Instil confidence in your customers by communicating how you are ensuring your premises are clean and safe.
• How can you deliver your products in a limited contact/contactless environment? Utilise digital solutions where possible such as online payment options, contactless card payments, e-commerce. Allow customers to specify contactless delivery options such as safe places to leave parcels.

 
If you need a helping hand to navigate the post lockdown world contact Creative Remedy for a FREE Consultation.

Business Support
This week we have been supporting businesses with:

• Advice on managing the situation
• Coronavirus statement writing
• Website content writing and blogging
• Graphics to support website content
• Email marketing to notify employees, customers and suppliers
• Training to help businesses manage their digital content

 
Creative Remedies
If you have had to self-isolate; close down your office, classes, services; or had difficulties distributing products due to reduced contact with your wider supply chain, here are some digital marketing platforms that can help your business thrive through these difficult times.

• Email Marketing
• Social Media
• Blogging
• Video
• Landing Pages

Free online tools to facilitate your communication:

• Skype
• Zoom
• AnyDesk
• TeamViewer
• WhatsApp groups
• Facebook groups

We are here to offer support in any format you need. Whether that is advice, developing creative ideas to gain exposure in this unpredictable time, creating content or delivering final solutions.
 
Treatments & Cures
Here are some proactive tips to help you achieve and stay positive:

• Marketing is usually one of your largest expenses and the first thing to be pulled when you don’t have the budget. Question what you need to continue operating successfully and think of new channels to reach your customers.
  
• Don’t cancel plans for new products or services, adapt… think of different ways you can deliver these.
• Make your marketing plan or learn how to use a new social platform.
  
• The internet and digital marketing will be your close friends, learn new skills if you don’t have the budget to out-source.
• Communication is key, well informed customers will stick with you through the tough times.